Article I:  Name

Section 1- The name of this organization shall be the Correctional Education Association (CEA) with contact information available on the official CEA website.

Section 2- CEA represents professionals working in the field of education in corrections and other related disciplines.

Section 3- Education in corrections is defined as education and/or training in any field which provides skills to assist in the rehabilitation of incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and at-risk persons.

Section 4– The official spokesperson for CEA is the CEA President.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be:

• To be the leading organization for educators within corrections.
• To increase public awareness of education in corrections.
• To be a leader of professional development for educators in adult and juvenile settings.
• To maintain and improve organizational structure.
• To develop relevant awards and scholarships.

Article III: Membership/Subscription

Section 1– Membership shall be available to all persons and institutions interested in correctional education, who subscribe to this constitution and maintain current dues.

Section 2– No applicant shall be denied membership or the right to hold office because of creed, ethnic origin, race, sex, or disability.

Section 3– Upon expiration of their term, Presidents become lifetime members.

Section 4 -Membership Categories

• Individual Membership/Subscription
• Student/Retiree
• Lifetime
• Institutional/Library Subscription
• Corporate

Article IV:  Executive Board

Section 1

Elected Officers/Executive Committee

• President
• Vice President
• President-elect or Immediate Past President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

 Section 2

Additional Voting Members

• Regional Directors
• International Representative (Appointed)
• Juvenile Justice Representative (current Juvenile State Director)
• Council of Directors Representative (current State Director)
• Standards Commission Chairperson

Article V: Council of Directors of Correctional Education

The Council of Directors of Correctional Education shall be a permanent council with the specific purpose of providing a formal structure by which the Directors may express concerns, desires, and interests to the CEA Executive Board. The CEA Executive Board has oversight of the Council.

Article VI: Executive Director

The Executive Board may employ an Executive Director.

Article VII: Elections

Elections of CEA officers will be conducted annually.

Article VIII:  Regions

Section 1-CEA shall be divided into geographical regions.

Section 2– State/Province Chapter organizations shall be subject to Regional and National Executive Board approval. A constitution and/or bylaws which do not conflict with the CEA constitution is required.

Article IX: Meetings

Section 1- The Association shall hold an annual membership meeting at the time and place of the annual CEA International Conference and Training Event.

Section 2– The Executive Board shall meet at least twice per fiscal year (federal).

Section 3- The Council of Directors of Correctional Education shall meet at least twice per fiscal year.

Section 4 – The Standards Commission shall meet at least twice per fiscal year.

Section 5- Robert’s Rules of Order shall control the conduct of all meetings.

Article X: Financial Governance

• The Executive Board shall approve an annual budget no later than October 1.
• The Executive Board shall receive quarterly financial reports from the Treasurer.
• CEA accounts shall be reviewed annually by a Certified Public Accountant independent of CEA membership.
• The CEA Treasurer shall publish a financial statement annually.
• The President, Executive Director, and the Treasurer must be bonded.

Article XI: Publications

CEA shall provide access to research and publications, which examine current events and issues in the field of correctional education.

Article XII: Standing Committees

Section 1

• Conference Site Selection Committee
• Membership Committee
• Public Relations Committee
• Fiscal Committee
• Awards and Scholarship Committee
• Long Range/Strategic Planning Committee
• Professional Development Committee
• Policy and Procedures Committee
• Juvenile Justice Committee

Section 2

Temporary ad hoc committees can be created by the President or Executive Board, as needed.

Article XIII: Standards Commission

The CEA Standards Commission provides standards to improve and evaluate the quality of correctional education programs and grants accreditation.

Article XIV Amendments

Section 1

Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Executive Board and if approved by a two-thirds majority, the proposed amendments shall be submitted to the full membership for a vote. If approved by most of members casting ballots, amendments take effect at the annual membership meeting.